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Two circular letters signed as secretary of state: LS signed "James Madison," one page, 6.75 x 9, no date, in part: "Agreeably to an Act of Congress, entitled 'An Act for the more general promulgation of the laws of the U. States,' passed 3d March 1795, and the acts in addition thereto passed on the 2d March 1799, and on the 27 March 1804, I have transmitted to the Collector of the Customs at Philad'a 1026 copies of the laws of the United States 2d Session 9th Congress being the proportion for the state of Pennsylvania"; and a printed circular signed "Jas. Monroe," one page, 7.25 x 9, August 28, 1812, headed "Additional Instruction to the public and private armed vessels of the United States," in part: "The public and private armed vessels of the United States are not to interrupt any vessels belonging to citizens of the United States coming from British ports to the United States laden with British merchandize, in consequence of the alledged repeal of the British Orders in Council." Handsomely double-matted and framed together with two FDCs to an overall size of 28.5 x 14.5. In very good to fine condition, with light wrinkling and dampstaining to the Madison letter, not affecting the signature.
The U.S. Congress declared war on Great Britain on June 18, 1812, as the result of several diplomatic conflicts, including the British 'Orders in Council,' a series of decrees that restricted American trade with France. The British were in the process of repealing these at the same time, but word of the repeal did not reach President Madison until August 12th. Not knowing how Britain had reacted to the declaration of war, he refused to halt hostilities. However, he did have Secretary of State Monroe issue this instruction in response to the "alledged repeal," ordering naval and privateering ships to assist, rather than obstruct, any American-owned ships bringing British goods back to the United States.
